The UWSP administers 6 designated townships of the Wa Self-Administered Division asstipulated in the 2008 Constitution. Its offi cial name was announced by decree on 20 Aug.2010. The UWSP rejected the government’s Border Guard Force scheme in 2009. Thegroup maintains close ties with China (both politically and economically) and uses Chineseas the party’s working language.

The UWSP military wing the Wa army is estimated to number 30,000 troops and 10,000auxiliary members. They are the largest ethnic army in Myanmar and reported to be a majorplayer in the opium, heroin and amphetamine drug trade. However the UWSA control areahas been declared drug free and the group owns large business conglomerate ThawdaWin Company, formerly known as the Hong Pang Group.It was originally formed frommembers of the Communist Party of Burma (CPB) following its collapse in 1989.

With the 2008 constitution, UWSP/UWSA established Wa self-administration regioncomposed of Hopang, Mongmau, Panwai, Nahpah, Metman and Panghsang (Pangkham)township in Shan state. UWSA hosted ethnic summit two times in itsheadquarters Panghsang. UWSA attended the first Union Peace Conference and presentedtheir proposal to recognize ‘autonomous Wa state’. UWSA representatives attended the21th Century Panglong conference but they left the conference before the end.

The UWSA has 5 divisions deployed along the Thai-Myanmar border and 3 divisions onChina-Myanmar border.

Official delegation team

Liaison offices

Meetings

#

Date

Location

Armed Group Rep

Govt Rep

Details

1

06/09/2011

Kengtung

Bao Youliang

Aung Thaung

New State level ceasefire agreement Other govt delegates: Thein Zaw

2

01/10/2011

Lashio

Xiao Ming Liang

Aung Thaung

Union level meeting The UWSP agreed not to secede from the Union. Discussions included: the reopening of education, health and liaison offices, reassignment of staff, drug eradication in cooperation with the government, implementing measures for border region development, arrangements made for economic-driven industries. Related agreements were signed.

3

26/12/2011

Pangsang

Xiao Ming Liang

Aung Thaung

Union Level 6 Point agreement Govt rep Aung Thaung urged the UWSP to take part in the upcoming by-elections expected to take place early next year.

At the Shan-Kayah Trust-building for Peace Conference the Wa representative Xiao Hsarm Khun was informed by U Aung Min, UPWC Vice Chairman # 2, that the Wa call for a separate statehood could be decided only by the Union legislature.

10

12/07/2013

Kengtung

UWSA

UPWC

1) Follow the agreements that emerge from the discussion. 2) Maintain the alreadya chieved mutual understandings, trust and fine tradition of peace and continue making cooperation for reaching eternal peace through constructive discussions. 3) Make transparent coordination as quickly as possible based on the constructive ways at a time when there emerge the military issues between Tatmadaw and UWSA. 4) Not to allow seceding “Wa” Special Region (2) from the State at any rate as “Wa” Special Region (2) is a integral part of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and to utilize the capabilities of “Wa” Special Region (2) for perpetuation of sovereignty and territory of the State. 5) Make mutual cooperation between the Union government and “Wa” Special Region ( 2 ) in development of the region and eradication of narcotic drugs.

(Informal meeting) U Thein Zaw proposed 9 points in the meeting. In the proposed points, census issue, ID card issue, local development, permit government servants to work in Wa territory are included in discussion. U Thein Zaw also discussed with Xai Minliang about to attend the nationwide ceasefire signing ceremony.

13

01/03/2014

Naypyitaw

Pao Yu Yi, Zhao Zhongdan, U Sam Lu (Khun Sam Lu) and Sao Khun Hseng

U Thein Sein

(Informal meeting) Leaders from UWSA, NDAA and SSPP met president Thein Sein after attending the census campaign in Naypyitaw.

(Informal meeting) Leaders of the Karen National Union (KNU) and the United Wa State Army (UWSA) say they are concerned that an escalation of fighting in Kachin State could reverse the ongoing peace process between the government and ethnic armed groups.

Developments

Agreed points:

Military

continue holding talks to cooperate on defence forces of the State for security and defence of the State as one as it agrees not to disintegrate the State and secede from the State at all

Socio-economic

agreed to adopt short-term and long-term socio-economic development plans

Union government agreed to help increase opportunities for national races youths in “Wa” Special Region

to pursue education with the mindset to develop their insights, to equip them with vocational education and to realize human resources development.

Union government agreed to cooperate in developing healthcare initiatives in Wa” Special Region (2), these initiatives include: treatment, prevention and education

Political

continue negotiating matters related to enabling representatives in townships of “Wa” Special Region (2) take seats in each Hluttaw of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar - encouraging proper representation of Wa in their respective areas

Ongoing issues:

Partnerships

Maintains close ties with NDAA

Business concessions:

Enterprises: Hongbang Company (founded in 1998) is a Wa owned conglomerate involved in construction, agriculture, gems and minerals, petroleum, electronics and communications, distilleries and department stores. The Hong Pang Group is based in Panghsang with offices also in Yangon, Mandalay, Lashio, Tachilek and Mawlamyine.

Ho Chun Ting, aka Aik Haw aka Hsiao Haw, the son-in-law of Bao You-Xiang, is the principal owner and managing director of Yangon Airways and chairman of Tetkham Co Ltd that runs a chain of hotels.

Statements

Jan 10, 2013 - NDAA, UWSA and SSPP/SSA issued a joint statement for the govt to stop its offensive against the KIO/KIA and start political dialogue

Aug 02, 2012 - SSA-S + UWSA Wa and Shan army commanders say tensions between the two armies have subsided following a “misunderstanding” that caused a face off opposite Chiang Mai’s Fang District in northeast Myanmar.